How Prince Edward’s misstep foreshadowed the Sussexes' break from royal life
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down as senior working royals in 2020 may have shocked the world, but for those familiar with royal history, it was a move that had long been in the making. Their desire to balance public duties with personal and financial freedom echoed a royal dilemma that first unfolded nearly two decades earlier.
In 2001, Prince Edward faced a similar conflict. As the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, he was still active in royal life when he attempted to grow his production company, Ardent. The venture quickly turned controversial when an Ardent film crew was spotted filming Prince William at St Andrews University, breaching strict privacy protocols.
The footage, intended for an American documentary series titled The A-Z of Royalty, sparked a storm of criticism. British media highlighted the irony: it was a royal family member — Prince Edward — who had violated an embargo meant to protect another royal.
Prince Charles, deeply angered by the breach, reportedly lashed out at his brother and demanded he leave the area immediately. The incident embarrassed the monarchy and led to Edward stepping down from his role at Ardent in 2002. The company ultimately folded in 2009.
That controversy helped cement a growing belief within the royal institution — that combining royal status with personal commercial interests was not only problematic but unsustainable. It’s a lesson that loomed large when Harry and Meghan proposed a “half-in, half-out” arrangement to continue their duties while pursuing business ventures.
But the monarchy had already learned, through Edward, that such dual roles don’t work. Unable to find common ground, the Sussexes stepped away entirely.
Since their departure, Harry and Meghan have successfully launched a range of projects across media, publishing, and philanthropy. Meanwhile, Prince Edward, having abandoned his commercial ambitions, has become one of the most respected and dependable working royals, dedicating his time to charity and public service.
The contrast between the two paths underscores a reality the royal family has faced again and again — that personal independence and royal duty rarely coexist without conflict. And in that context, Harry and Meghan’s departure wasn’t a break from tradition, but a continuation of it.
